Also he pointed out that in case of disturbance she could scarcely help them, and might possibly prove an encumbrance.
"They wait," answered Nam; "all is prepared for _them_ also": and as he spoke a sardonic smile flickered on his withered countenance that made Leonard feel very uncomfortable.

What was prepared, he wondered?
They passed through the curtains into the courtyard, where soldiers, clad in goat-skin cloaks, waited with two litters.

Here also were the Settlement men, armed, but in an extremity of fear, for they were guarded by about fifty of the Great People, also armed.
Juanna and Otter entered the litters, behind which Leonard formed up his little band, going in front of it himself with Francisco, both of them having rifles in their hands and revolvers at their girdles, of which no attempt was made to deprive them, for none knew their use.
Then they started, surrounded by the bare-breasted priests, who chanted and waved torches as they walked, and preceded and followed by the grim files of tall soldiers, on whose spears the torch-light flashed ominously.

As they came the gates of the palace yard were opened.

They passed them and across the space beyond until they reached the doors of the temple, which were thrown wide before them.
Here Otter and Juanna descended from the litters, and all the torches were extinguished, leaving them in darkness.
Leonard felt his hand seized and was led along, he knew not where, for the misty gloom was intense.